European Anti-Semitism

And why it’s not only the Jews who should be concerned.

A recent Tel Aviv University report found that the number of anti-Semitic incidents in Europe increased by 30 percent between 2011 and 2012.

A separate analysis of anti-Semitic incidents in France noted a jump of 58 percent in that same period, and that half of all racist acts in that country are committed against Jews, though Jews constitute just one percent of the population. Most striking last year was the targeting and murder of four Jews, including three small children, outside a Jewish school in Toulouse.

Moreover, there are today two aggressively anti-Semitic, xenophobic political parties represented in the parliaments of European Union member states– Jobbik in Hungary and Golden Dawn in Greece. Other extremist political movements operating on EU soil have had some success on the local and regional levels.

As the British newspaper The Independent pointed out in a May 5th editorial referring to Jobbik, “Hungarian populists have come from nowhere in only a few years by attributing all their country’s ills to the enemy within – in this case, half-a-million Roma and 100,000 Jews.”

And Golden Dawn invokes Nazi-like images as it demonizes Jews and migrants to advance its agenda, making its relative success in a country brutally occupied by the Third Reich all the more shocking.

Further, polls show that anti-Semitic attitudes are stubbornly high in certain EU countries, including, notably, Spain and Poland.

In addition, anti-Semitism is expanding in cyberspace, prompting at least one government, the French, to seek aggressive ways of combating it.

And finally, the campaign to demonize and delegitimize Israel grows stronger.

This goes beyond criticizing specific Israeli policies, which is a normal part of life for any democratic nation. Rather, per the EU Fundamental Rights Agency Working Definition of Anti-Semitism, it is about “denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination,” “applying double standards by requiring of Israel a behavior not expected or demanded of any other democratic nations,” “using the symbols and images of classic anti-Semitism to characterize Israel or Israelis,” or “drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis.”

Rising anti-Semitism in Europe is fueled by three main sources: the extreme right, largely boosted by concerns about the economic crisis and growing migration; the extreme left, which refuses to accept Israel’s right to exist; and those Muslims who espouse hatred for Jews and Israel. Apropos, a recent study in Belgium found that nearly half of Muslim teenage students held anti-Semitic views.

Why should Europe, amidst its many other challenges, be concerned?

The reasons are crystal-clear.

Europe, more than any other continent, knows something about the slippery slope of anti-Semitism – how it begins and where it can lead.

Moreover, history teaches that anti-Semitism may begin with Jews, but, ultimately, threatens the well-being of entire countries.

And finally, the EU has responded to centuries of war and persecution on European soil by championing humanistic values. Action is surely called for when these values are threatened.

Start by acknowledging the problem; stop the denial.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to the age-old pathology of anti-Semitism, but a good place to start is to acknowledge the problem.

It sounds obvious, but such acknowledgement encounters resistance. Some European officials prefer to believe that attacks against Jews are acts of “hooliganism,” not anti-Semitism. Some spend endless hours questioning the methodology of polls, rather than digesting the consistently worrisome results. And some would rather debate ad nauseum where the line between “legitimate” and ‘illegitimate” criticism of Israel lies, instead of recognizing the stark fact that anti-Semitism has all too often been transferred from the individual Jew to the Jewish state of Israel.

The four layers of democratic nations must be fully mobilized – (a) regional bodies, such as the EU, Council of Europe, and OSCE; (b) the state – its political leadership, law enforcement and judiciary, and educational system; (c) civil society – religious groups, human rights organizations, and the media; and (d) individuals of good will.

There are, of course, many current examples of precisely this kind of mobilization. The OSCE has a special representative to combat anti-Semitism. Some governments have taken tough action to fight anti-Semitism. There are Christian and Muslim leaders who demonstrate solidarity with Jews, and vice versa, in confronting acts of bigotry. And there are spontaneous acts of good will, such as the students in Italy who stood up for a Jewish classmate shockingly attacked by her teacher.

Yet, as the problem grows, more such action is needed, on every level and in every country. Otherwise, not only the Jews are at risk, but the very fabric of society.

This op-ed originally appeared in El Pais, Spain's best-known and most influential daily newspaper.

The opinions expressed in the comment section are the personal views of the commenters. Comments are moderated, so please keep it civil.

Visitor Comments: 40

(33)
Barajas,
August 3, 2015 10:00 PM

I think that everything is happening according to the plan of the general egoistic development of humanity, which must bring a wave of anti-Semitism and general mutual hatred. The people of Israel will be the focus of this universal hatred. This appearance of egoism as total evil is necessary for activating pressure on the Jews, forcing them to implement the method of uniting humanity and in this unity, the discovery of the Creator. Hitler was a reflection of the people, as Jews we were not united! All leaders are a reflection of humanity, and all humanity puts these evil people in power. We must put love and bestowal as the leader!! Let's stop being arrogant people and lets show BINAH!!!! LOVE!!!

(32)
Beverly Margolis,
August 2, 2015 6:21 PM

Israel

It has dawned on me that the purpose of Jew hate in Europe and other places around the world is to force us to get to Israel. Hashem knows what he is doing.

(31)
Beverly Margolis-Kurtin,
November 16, 2014 5:13 PM

Polish are reaping their rewards

I clearly remember when the "Sun never set on the British Empire." Now? They're a pathetic little island that thinks it still rules the earth.But the Poles? Ah, there is a nation that deserves to still be using horses and wagons on their farms. When a Pole is born, Jew hate is as much a part of their make up as is their liver and spleen.After WWII, Jews returning to their homes were taken out and shot or worse. "Filthy Jew, we own what was once yours." They knew perfectly well who owned what prior to the war, but they gleefully stole everything down to the last smidgen of lint o a rug.My grandmother ran to her predetermined hiding spot when a wild mob came to her hamlet in a pogrom and somehow hid while her family members were murdered one by one. She remained in a state of shock until she was discovered by one of the groups that found young people and shipped them out of Poland.My maternal grandfather was living in Ukraine near the Belarus and Russian borders. He walked to France, made some money, then got on a boat to the United States Jew-hate has made us travel to the ends of the earth and back. Sure hope that Messiah gets here before we blow ourselves to smithereens.

(30)
Anonymous,
November 12, 2014 1:41 PM

time to arm ourselves

It's time; past time; to arm ourselves and be ready to fight back. Otherwise what? more monuments to martyrdom? Forget it. Give them what they want to give us. I don't have to spell it out, do I.

(29)
J LaLone,
April 18, 2014 7:29 PM

God Bless and Protest the Women and Children, The Righteous and the Gentle Among Us.

Jobbik in Hungary and Golden Dawn in Greece..these are the ignorant, the ones who know in their hearts that they are unnworthy...so they use hate and violence against others. And the better others are, the more these animals hate them. I am no longer young. I have suffered at the hands of monsters, and placating them is a bad idea. They are not hooligans, they are criminally insane. We must stop believing that being nice to evil people who commit verbal or physical violence against the innocent is necessary in order to turn these people around. When the haters gather together they are no more than a pack of dogs. Have you ever seen a pack of dogs tear a vulnerable animal apart? I have, and it is a nasty sight. That is exactly the mentality of these sub-groups. We must stop their reign of terror that will only get worse. Even worse are the sheep that follow them and the power hungry egomaniac leaders (Putin & the North Korean leader) who use them to subject us to their will.

Alex,
October 7, 2014 10:09 AM

UK/Europe

Thank you for this....agree with much of what you wrote. Just one wee thing....I always feel uncomfortable when the word 'animals' is used as a descriptor for bad people: animals don't behave like these monsters....best wishes from Scotland

(28)
Haydee,
November 13, 2013 11:56 AM

Stand as One

I believe with the writer. We must fight together with dignity and justice for all. All my life I stood against BULLIES who pick on ny one. I didn't have to know who you were! I saw it and I called it out. I had too because oneday I hope that someone will stand with me and I would not be alone. My family started in Spain and they move d to the Caribbeans Island and lost their Identity due to this desease called ANTI-SIMITISM. I asked some of my Jewish friends; why did they married non-Jews? They all seem to have the same answer, "I don't want to be Jewish, no one cares". I say; I care! That is why I wasn't raised Jewish, yet my youngest children I raised them to be Jewish. Now, they are telling me:" Mom, the world hates the Jewish people." I tell them; "G-d loves the Jewish people". They need as all of us to stand up and SPEAK out loud. Spain? That's where my Great-great-grand parents came from. A Hollocaust within our family. Secrets of our identities. Now, I live as a Jewish woman and I come across with Anti-Jew but hey, I do speak up and even if they fire me from my job as I was, i am glad! Im doing onestep at a time and when I get to meet others I will fight for them too. Shalom...

(27)
Anonymous,
June 6, 2013 2:20 AM

Concern is a Necessity!!

This is deeply shocking a text, yet, it speaks to the necessity of consistent effort in the exercise of Honesty and Integrity. All Human, Monotheistic religions, however young, OWE their existence to the "Guardians of Torah." Without the Jewish Peoples, without Jewish Texts, whatever else is exercised, lacks the necessary acknowledgment of its' true source. Thus, to in any way disparage, slander, cause harm, denigrate, distress, Violate, the Sanctity of the Jewish People is to disregard Monotheistic Origins. The Human Family, NEEDS to respect its diversity, by proclaiming its unity and this can only be done by extending, at all times, in all places, in all circumstances, RESPECT, HONOURING, and Showing Solidarity with its' different Nations. Israel is the "First-Born" of Humankind, and to in any way disparage and bring slander, defamation, libel, and or distress, hatred, harm and destruction to its Nation is to do the same to one"s "self - one's Nation". Essentially, Humankind is Utterly connected, and reflects an innate Holy Spark in Each Human Being, which has been Created and breathed into this world. When there is Harm, or any kind of destruction is incurred - the ENTIRE Family of Humankind is Assaulted, and "suffers."

Given Human History, this should be Very self-evident.

(26)
Albert Hache,
June 2, 2013 4:24 AM

Ugly heads of anti-Semitism raising in Europe

There is no doubt the people who organized the final solution are still here today, ever ready to spring forth and impose their sinister laws when the occasion presents itself. As Bertold Brecht put it : " The belly is still fertile from which the foul beast sprang". These many dissatisfied psychopaths are momentarily being suppressed, not by their conscience but by unfavorable circumstances. The holocaust was the result of a deliberate manipulation by an utter social failure, who owed much to the goodness of Jews (possibly his own life) and resented their success to the point of a savage hatred which had to find an outlet.To counteract anti-Semitism it is useful to understand the lies from which it arises. It finds fertile ground in stupidity, according to the infamous monster himself . Here are a few of his statements, they show the low opinion he had of the superior Aryan race:

“The chief function (of propaganda) is to convince the masses, whose slowness of understanding needs to be given time in order that they may absorb information; and only constant repetition will finally succeed in imprinting an idea on their mind ... The success of any advertisement, whether of a business or a political nature, depends upon the consistency and perseverance with which it is employed.”

“I am ready to swear six false oaths every day.”

“What luck for the rulers that men do not think.”

“The masses are like an animal that obeys instincts.”

"The masses of our people, whose sheepish docility corresponds to their want of intelligence.”

“These tactics are based on an accurate estimation of human frailties and must lead to success, with almost mathematical certainty.”

It's the USA we need most concern ourselves with. Ignorant rednecks blame Zionism and the cost Israel support for everything. They hate Jews because their wealth power. All the Palestinian propaganda has Americans belonging terrorism is acceptable behavior and it's Zion that's lieing to everyone. Fools!

(24)
Anonymous,
June 1, 2013 3:30 PM

Anti-Semitism

I'm comming from an Orthodox country. In their big majority, orthodox people don't have Bibles in their houses! Probably some 'Prayer Books' only. For thousands of years people in Christian countries dominated by Orthodox or Catholic religions, were not even alowed to own a Bible! They only knew what the pope/prist told them to believe and to do, and that's it!Until the protestants started to rebel, (and that was not without sacrifices, many have lost their lives fighting for this right) people were kept in the dark. Even today orthodox and catholics people, nearly all of them don't have Bibles in their homes! The protestants like the 'Baptist' and the 'Pentecostals' mainly, are the ones trying to supply Bibles to these people. But everything cost money, and there are not enough funds in order to provide big populations (like those in Europe) with these books. I am a fourth generation protestant Baptist. I was raised in this religion since I was a small child. In my family there was love, and very, very deep respect for Jewish people. My grand father risked his own life, and his entire familys' life in order to save his' best friends' life, a jewish man called Daniel. On some other ocasion, I'll tell you how things happened and in what circumstances the event took place, (It is regarding the Hollocaust). Now, I was only trying to get your attention to the real cause of all the problems lying under the Anti-Semitism fenomenon taking place in Europe and probably in other continents of the world as well. There is no way a true believer in GOD would hate HIS' people! It is only the ignorant and the disinformed that would take such attitude towards Jewish people

We love you guys!

(23)
Manasseh (Bishop),
May 31, 2013 8:25 PM

The Shoe wearer knows where it pinches

The article is most telling and so are the comments

I can feel the pain the concern and the cry for justice all of which are the most basic human rights G-D help us to be part of the solution rather than the problems Come oh long awaited peace of Yerushalayim Come oh shield of Avraham Amen Shalom Ysroel Shalom Shalom

(22)
Anonymous,
May 31, 2013 5:29 PM

World anti semitism

Jews must forget about enlightenment of gentiles. We are always wrongly trying to be loved, versus respected. I don't care about teaching them about Judaism. They know about it. We must fight and let them know that it doesn't matter which country tries to kill us, we will not be led like sheep. Fight back. It's the only language haters understand or respect. I have my family to love me, I don't need anti semites to love me

(21)
Eyal,
May 31, 2013 12:57 AM

Fight or flight?

Is this something we can combat? How has evil grown so strong? The challenge seems to be to keep it at bay until the next world.

(20)
Jack bender,
May 31, 2013 12:52 AM

What to do about anti semitism

...a sap or blackjack...or brass knuckles..if not a baseball bat...is the only cure....break their noses or heads....loosen teeth...when Jews cry...their enemy's sense weakness and get worse..you notice as bad as Muslims are..t,he Jews are picked on..why...weakness breeds Jew hatred

(19)
Leonard Elkins,
May 30, 2013 11:45 PM

Hate has never left!

It is getting. Worse every day and I m sorry to sAy it is going on in the UsA.

(18)
paul,
May 30, 2013 11:30 PM

fire with fire

If we as Jews in Europe do not defend ourselves, no one else will. The Jewish organisations in the countries most affected must expose the overtly anti-Semitic elements for what they are with every means at their disposal.

(17)
Saul,
May 30, 2013 11:29 PM

Anti Semitism-a misnomer

First lets us begin by making the world realise that a Jew is a person who follows the religion of Judaism. There is no such thing as a Jewish Race, anymore than there is a Christian or Moslem "Race."Secondly, there are people who have inferiority complex and therefore feel important by degrading others whom they perceive as weak - no different to bullying.It is for this reason they find it far easier to attack people who are more into science, finance and medical advancement rather than those who appear to be "strong" by ruthlessly and wantonly killing innocent people.

Anya,
May 31, 2013 11:54 AM

Saul says 'anti semitishm - a misnomer.

Saul, you say that a jew is a person who follows the religion of judaism and there is no such things as a jewish race. Well, there are plenty of jews, who do not follow the religion and identify themselves as jewish and are identified by others as jewish, such as Hitler, who had no problem in identifying jews. Scientists have also discovered a 'jewish gene' and some illnesses are more common amongst jews than other peoples.

(16)
Anonymous,
May 30, 2013 11:01 PM

Why are there still Jews in Europe?

Tell me something I don't know. A disconcerting number of Europeans are antisemitic fueled by decades of Islamofascist immigration, impoverishing left-wing economic policies, and a virtually heritable tendency to scapegoat rather than self-examine the actual reasons for their economic, social and spiritual malaise. More puzzling to me is why any so-called clever people persist in soujourning in and contributing to a continent that has been a continual killing field for our people for the last millenium. Unsolicited advice: Gelt really isn't the velt, take what you can and get out while you still can. Lots of opportunity elsewhere for clever, innovative and hardworking people.

(15)
Anonymous,
May 30, 2013 10:35 PM

anti-semetism in europe

It never seize to amaze me how people like the anti-Semites and the racists will always look for someone else to blame during an economically challenging time, because it is easier than taking a more responsible approach. At least this time around the Christians and Muslims are with the Jews, because we are also living in an age of anti-religion/morality. My race is being attacked and hated too for the same reason, of being a minority, and being different. So we feel a great deal of solidarity with the Jews.

(14)
Mary,
May 30, 2013 10:08 PM

Rise of Islam in Europe

This seems to be directly connected to the rise of Islam in Europe ;this is the fastest growing segment of the population and even Sheria laws are being accepted.

(13)
Laurence Cohn,
May 30, 2013 9:56 PM

Jews have to realize that no one has their back!

Throughout history Jews have been known to be achievers and to have and therefore are a logical target to blame for the failure of those who have not and who it is in their tradition to have their had out -- This will not change and what it boils down to is for Jews to recognize that no one has their back and that they have to do what they have to do to protect themselves, and if that means to always have a legal weapon in their home and to carry one on their person so be it!

(12)
Anonymous,
May 30, 2013 7:38 PM

POLAND

Poland was the only country that welcomed Jews centuries ago. There was never and does not exist nowany form of anisemitism. The Jewis people enjoyed all the freedom and prosperity in Poland and must be thankful for that and show gratitude

Dina - Jerusalem,
June 2, 2013 3:04 PM

Are you for real?

The worst anti-Semitic country in the world was Poland, second only to Germany. Even before the Holocaust the soil of Poland was drenched with Jewish blood from pogrom after pogrom. Almost all the death camps were on Polish soil, with the full knowledge and help of the Polish people, a nation of murderers. And after the war when Jewish parents came to claim their children who has been hidden with Polish families during the war, they refused to give them back to them ( with very few exceptions} and brought them up as Catholics. So why exactly should we be grateful?

Theodore,
August 21, 2013 6:57 PM

To anonymous no. 12 " POLAND"

Sorry to spoil your blind optimism.There's not to many Jews left in your country - you silly boy. In recent trip to POLAND - beautiful city of KRACOW just on the outskirt of it in less traveled area by tourists we run in to awfully big antisemitic sign on the wall done by red spray. Size was huge 6"x 12" long at least. So there we go again. Same thing (size vise) was visible on the trip in Czech republic - just under the bridge
train was going. Big nasty spit to all Jews. So check it out if you are Polish or Czech citizen and clean your house in the name of humanity. Shalom!

(11)
uriel,
May 30, 2013 7:06 PM

your foult

as kong as you regard your self (the jews in general),only as religion and not a nation,there will not be a solotion/

(10)
Shoshana - Jerusalem,
May 30, 2013 6:53 PM

anti-Semitism in Israel

Mr. Harris ;

Your article is excellent and there is one problem that it did not address that I would like to mention . In the 40 years that I have lived here I have noticed over and over again a direct correlation between " anti-Judaism" here in Israel and anti-Semitism in the rest of the world.

Every time a cemetery is dug up here in Israel and Jewish bones thrown all over the place, a Jewish cemetery is desecrated in Europe. It almost never fails.

Now that the anti-religious propaganda in Israel is at an all time height, the same is happening in Europe. The defamation appearing in our papers and coming from government officials is at a level that the ADL in the States would make law cases over. So the same is happening in Europe.

Religious boys and men have been physically attacked in the streets and no one does anything. A four year old Chareidi girl, walking home from nursery school, was spit at by a soldier and the court dropped charges against him, saying that it wasn't a real offence., or something like that.

Mr. Harris, I hope you will take this comment seriously and really look into the matter. If the anti-Semitism in Israel will stop, I'm sure that the whole world will be safer for Jews.

Albert Hache,
June 1, 2013 3:32 AM

Shoshana's interesting perspective

We each have the power to act against anti-Semitism and any racial or political hatred. The unusual idea Shoshana offers in this forum tends to show that the roots of Anti-Semitism may lie within ourselves. Eleanor Roosevelt used to say "nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent:" Every action of ours bears a result, positive or negative. A nation is as good as the sum total of it's people.
"Now that the anti-religious propaganda in Israel is at an all time height, the same is happening in Europe" says Shoshana.
The impact every single individual's attitude has on the world at large should convince us that most efficient way to fight hatred is to shun whatever hatred we may nourish in our heart. Be it resentment against our mother in law. If the People within Israel begin to hate each other, what can we expect.
Love your brother as yourself is the solution, it requires a transcendence of the egoism that is so prevalent in the world today

Anonymous,
June 2, 2013 4:21 PM

That's not what I meant

The roots of anti-Semitism absolutely do NOT lie within ourselves. Whatever we do or don't do, there will be anti-Semitism because it is caused by jealousy. Since you are already on this website I would advise you to look into "Why the Jews ? " (Rafael Shore) and read all six reasons, and also, "World Perfect" (Rav Ken Spiro).
What I meant was is that the anti-Semitism is Israel , personified by the attempted destruction by the secular of everything Jewish and the discrimination against the Chareidi Jew, who symbolizes in their eyes "Judaism", is perhaps what is giving encouragement to the anti-Semites in Europe.
Perhaps American Jews should be concerned about what is happening In Israel, along with their concern about Europe. Because Israel has got to set a better example.

(9)
Anonymous,
May 30, 2013 6:04 PM

So disappointing that people hate so easily and without any real evidence of truth.

Lies against a people or a person are spread so easily because there is no desire to find out the truth of any issue. For example, apartheid in Israel. I have been in Israel many time. Arabs are everywhere in the society, many are doing very well. I was at a popular hotel in Jerusalem that was having an Arab conference. The Arab guests outnumbered the Jews. This kind of behavior on the part of the hotel can give Israeli apartheid a bad name.

As Jews, we need to get out of European countries, because people don't respect. We can longer support disrespect from our host nations enough is enough. It is time to migrate to Israel. And it is a calling to to get closer to Hashem and correct our mistakes, and be a light unto the nations.

(5)
yaakov ainoris,
May 30, 2013 3:27 PM

hope

Most of this behaviour is in countries which have poor economies and many ignorant unemployed angry young men who are looking for a scape goat again...former soviet blocks which are failing states...who foolishly allowed many middle eastern workers to come in years ago to work.Now there is not much work for many and problems have understandibly arisen.Israeli economy is doing well and maybe many are jealous when buisnesses and propery is purchased by wealthy jews...the locals ignore the fact that their often corrupt leaders ruined the economy...so who is responsible? I think history may repeat itself in some areas especially eastern europe all of us should go to Israel,America or Canada...whats really bizarre is greeks nor slavs are not "white aryians" therefore how can they support nazi ideaology? We are all children of G-d...Shalom Yaakov Ainoris

(4)
Seezi Sewagaba,
May 30, 2013 3:17 PM

Blessed is he who blesses you Israel and cursed is he who curses you,,says the Lord. Long live Israel.

es58,
May 31, 2013 4:11 PM

thank you

I wonder if the whole reason Hashem allowed for the "distribution" of Torah, as best selling book in history, was so this 1 sentence could be known?

(3)
Mrlbjew,
May 30, 2013 3:01 PM

Jewish consciousness

I've lived with the horrible effects if anti semitism on a personal and professional lever. Prior to WW 11, we were hated because we were different with different laws. Since integrating we are hated more I.e jews cause economic issues , rabbis meet once a year to decide the future, jews are the devil etc etc. the reality is that us jews are the consciousness of the world and we are hated for it as we detest idolatry, paganism, have rules that we live by. We don't profess to be perfect , the prophets in our Torah make mistakes but if one really understood that all we want is a close relationship with god and the right to our own land (we need to defend ourselves in our promised land) they will see the truth. The world is being manipulated by the press to hate jews, lies are told because god selected us to bring man back to a higher level of holiness , to be in the image of g-f

(2)
David,
May 30, 2013 2:48 PM

Author is correct

Antisemitism in Europe is much larger then Americans could possibly understand. Instead of repenting for their involvement in the Holocaust, European nations have generally allowed a belief to flourish that the Holocaust is an ''invention of the Zionists'' In many places in Europe you will find few people who believe in the Holocaust. Nearly all will tell you the Jews are the route of all evil in the world not just because of Israel but because they run everything from the banks to Hollywood. Yahoo local editions in Europe are breeding grounds for the average citizen, also an antisemite, to express their disturbed views. Every article that appears with any mention of Jews features scores of comments using profanities against Jews. Yahoo never censors this. I myself wrote them and the ADL. Neither every responded or took action, however the latter did take the time to write me to ask for money. Antisemitism continues to flourish in Europe. Some attempt to educate Europeans must be made and we, not just Jews, but all people of good nature must step in and insist that sites like Yahoo don't serve as breeding grounds for antisemites overseas and that countries that allow schools to deny the Holocaust suffer trade embargoes from the US, Canada, etc. My opinion is that many Europeans aren't so bad natured as they are simply brainwashed from youth regarding Jews.

(1)
albert hache,
May 30, 2013 2:32 PM

A pathological disorder promoted as a criminal ideology

You're right to call it 'the pathology of anti-Semitism'. Hatred, says psychiatrist Willard Gaylin in a book recently published, is a psychological disorder—a form of quasi-delusional thinking. It requires forming "a passionate attachment," an obsessive involvement with the scapegoat population. It is designed to allow the angry and frustrated individual to disavow responsibility for his own failures and misery by directing it towards a convenient victim.We should be grateful that we, the Jews, have today a country of our own, it may soon prove vital.

This year during Chanukah I will be on a wilderness survival trip, and it will be very difficult to properly celebrate the holiday. I certainty won't be able to bring along a Menorah.

So if I am going to celebrate only one day of Chanukah, which is the most significant?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

If a person can only celebrate one day of Chanukah, he should celebrate the first day.

This is similar to a case where a person is in prison, and the authorities agree to permit him to go to synagogue one day. The law is that he should go at the first opportunity, and not wait for a more important day like the High Holidays.

The reason is because one should not allow the opportunity of a mitzvah to pass. Moreover, it is quite conceivable that circumstances will later change and allow for additional observance. Therefore, we do not let the first chance pass. (Sources: Code of Jewish Law OC 90, Mishnah Berurah 28.)

As an important aside, Chanukah candles must be lit in (or at the entrance to) a home rather than out of doors. Thus, you should not light in actual "wilderness," but only after you've pitched your tent for the night.

There may be another reason why the first night is the one to focus on. Chanukah is celebrated for eight days to commemorate the one-day supply of oil that miraculously burned for eight days. But if you think about it, since there was enough oil to burn naturally for one night, nothing miraculous happened on that first night! So why shouldn't Chanukah be just seven days?!

There are many wonderful answers given to this question, highlighting the special aspect of the first day. Here are a few:

1) True, the miracle of the oil did not begin until the second day, and lasted for only seven days. But the Sages designated the first day of Chanukah in commemoration of the miraculous military victory.

2) Having returned to the Temple and found it in shambles, the Jews had no logical reason to think they would find any pure oil. The fact that the Maccabees didn't give up hope, and then actually found any pure oil at all, is in itself a miracle.

3) The Sages chose Chanukah, a festival that revolves around oil's ability to burn, as the time to teach the fundamental truth that even so-called "natural" events take place only because God wants them to.

The Talmudic Sage Rabbi Chanina Ben Dosa expressed this truth in explaining a miracle that occurred in his own home. Once, his daughter realized that she had lit the Shabbos candles with vinegar instead of oil. Rabbi Chanina calmed her, saying, "Why are you concerned! The One Who commanded oil to burn, can also command vinegar to burn!" The Talmud goes on to say that those Shabbos lights burned bright for many hours (Taanit 25a).

To drive this truth home, the Sages decreed that Chanukah be observed for eight days: The last seven to commemorate the miracle of the Menorah, and the first to remind us that even the “normal” burning of oil is only in obedience to God's wish.

In closing, I'm not sure what's stopping you from celebrating more than one day? At a minimum, you can light one candle sometime during the evening, and that fulfills the mitzvah of Chanukah - no “official Menorah” necessary. With so much joy to be had, why limit yourself to one night only?!

In 165 BCE, the Maccabees defeated the Greek army and rededicated the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Finding only one jar of pure oil, they lit the Menorah, which miraculously burned for eight days. Also on this day -- 1,100 years earlier -- Moses and the Jewish people completed construction of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary that accompanied them during 40 years of wandering in the desert. The Tabernacle was not dedicated, however, for another three months; tradition says that the day of Kislev 25 was then "compensated" centuries later -- when the miracle of Chanukah occurred and the Temple was rededicated. Today, Jews around the world light a Chanukah menorah, to commemorate the miracle of the oil, and its message that continues to illuminate our lives today.

A person who utilizes suffering to arouse himself in spiritual matters will find consolation. He will recognize that even though the suffering was difficult for him, it nevertheless helped him for eternity.

When you see yourself growing spiritually through your suffering, you will even be able to feel joy because of that suffering.

They established these eight days of Chanukah to give thanks and praise to Your great Name(Siddur).

Jewish history is replete with miracles that transcend the miracle of the Menorah. Why is the latter so prominently celebrated while the others are relegated to relative obscurity?

Perhaps the reason is that most other miracles were Divinely initiated; i.e. God intervened to suspend the laws of nature in order to save His people from calamity.

The miracle of the Menorah was something different. Having defeated the Seleucid Greek invaders, the triumphant Jews entered the Sanctuary. There they found that they could light the Menorah for only one day, due to a lack of undefiled oil. Further, they had no chance of replenishing the supply for eight days. They did light the Menorah anyway, reasoning that it was best to do what was within their ability to do and to postpone worrying about the next day until such worry was appropriate. This decision elicited a Divine response and the Menorah stayed lit for that day and for seven more.

This miracle was thus initiated by the Jews themselves, and the incident was set down as a teaching for all future generations: concentrate your efforts on what you can do, and do it! Leave the rest to God.

While even our best and most sincere efforts do not necessarily bring about miracles, the teaching is nevertheless valid. Even the likelihood of failure in the future should not discourage us from any constructive action that we can take now.

Today I shall...

focus my attention on what it is that I can do now, and do it to the best of my ability.

With stories and insights,
Rabbi Twerski's new book Twerski on Machzor makes Rosh Hashanah prayers more meaningful. Click here to order...